System and method for automating line retraction on a reel

ABSTRACT

A system and method are disclosed for automating extension and/or retraction of a line on a spool. The system detachably couples a spool of line to an automated winding portion such as a power drill, extends the line out from the spool in some embodiments, positions a distal end of the line at a desired position, performs an operation with the line, and automatically retracts the line. A winding portion, such as an electric drill, couples to a mounting end of a spool of line. The winding portion receives power from a power source and actuates to rotate the spool in a first direction for extending the line, and a second direction for retracting the line. A distal end of the line positions at a desired point away from the spool. An operation is performed with the line in conjunction with automated extension and retraction of the line. Finally, the winding portion powers refraction of the line back onto the spool.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an automated rotary system, and moreparticularly relates to a method for powering the rotation of a spool ofline to automatically extend and retract the line.

BACKGROUND Description of the Related Art

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

An aspect of the prior art generally useful is that a spool is a usuallylow-flanged or unflanged cylinder on which thread, wire, cable, paper,film, straps, or tape is wound for distribution or use. In manyinstances, a cable reel is a round, drum-shaped object used to carryvarious types of electrical wires. Cable reels are used to transportelectric cables, fiber optic cables and wire products.

Typically, a chalk line is a tool for marking long, straight lines onrelatively flat surfaces, much farther than is practical by hand or witha straightedge. Often, a fishing reel is a cylindrical device attachedto a fishing rod used in winding and stowing line. Modern fishing reelsusually have fittings aiding in casting for distance and accuracy, aswell as retrieving line.

Often, extending or rerating a line on a spool or reel is physicallyoverwhelming due to the distance that the line must be retracted, andthe weight of the line. Manually cranking the spool to wind up the lineis time consuming and difficult. Also, during the operation of the line,winding or unwinding the line may be necessary. This may cause a user tolose focus on the operation on hand while trying to simultaneously windthe line onto the spool.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional windingsystems and methods for a line are not perfect and leave room for moreoptimal approaches.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need existsfor a system and method for automating a rotary system to drive a lineby retraction and extension prior to, during, and after performing anoperation with the line. Beneficially, such a system and method wouldprovide a plurality of features and components efficacious forautomatically extending a line to positioning a distal end of the lineat a fixed point, and then automatically retracting the line back onto aspool after the operation is complete.

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable system. Accordingly, the present invention has been developedto provide a system and method for automating a rotary system to extendand retract the line in relation to a spool that overcomes many or allof the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The rotary system includes a plurality of modules configured tofunctionally execute the necessary steps of detachably coupling a spoolof line to an automated winding portion, automatically extending theline out from the spool, positioning a distal end of the line at adesired fixed point, performing an operation with the line, and finallyautomatically retracting the line to be wound back onto the spool. Inthis manner, the distal end of the line may be automatically extendedand positioned at a desired position for performing an operation,including, without limitation, forming a linear mark on a surface,forming a pattern on a surface, forming a boundary, forming a contourfor tracing a linear shape, measuring a distance, creating a linetension for catching an object, and pulling an object towards the spool.After performing the operation from the extended position, an automatedwinding portion, which is coupled to the spool, rotates the spool toretract the line back onto the spool. In some embodiments, the rotarysystem extends and retracts the line from a spool that couples to anautomated winding portion. The rotary system automatically drives theline about the spool with minimal manual labor. This is advantageous forheavy lines and lines that are extended over large distances. The lineis driven in relation to the spool. The line is adapted to be wound andunwound onto an axial rod that is centrally located on the spool. Adistal end of the line may be extended and affixed to a desired pointaway from the spool for performing the operation. The distal end maythen be retracted by the winding portion automatically winding thespool.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the spool is operable toreceive and release the line by automated winding. The spool may includea low-flanged or unflanged cylinder on which thread, wire, cable, paper,film, straps, or tape that is wound for distribution or use. In oneembodiment, the spool is disposed between two integrally formed flangedends. A spool handle end forms one end of the spool. A handle extendsfrom the spool handle end of the spool to provide a grip for enhancingstability during operation and transporting the rotary system. A spoolmounting end forms the other side of the spool. The spool mounting endmay include a mounting protrusion configured to couple with the windingportion, whereby the winding portion couples to the spool mounting endto rotate the spool. Those skilled in the art, in light of the presentteachings, will recognize that the winding portion may rotate the spoolat variable angular velocities and torques, depending on therequirements of the operation. In some embodiments, the spool includesan axial rod disposed to extend between the spool handle end and thespool mounting end. The axial rod is configured to join with a proximalend of the line and carry the line during extension and retraction. Theaxial rod may include protrusions and indentations for providing areceptive surface for the line to be wound.

In some embodiments, a winding portion couples to a spool mounting endof the spool, creating an integrally formed rotary system. The windingportion is configured to rotate the spool with minimal manual labor. Thewinding portion may include, without limitation, an electrical drill, amechanical rotary system, and a motor. The winding portion includes awinding portion mounting end for coupling to the spool mounting end. Thewinding portion further comprises a winding portion handle end forjoining with a power source and providing a grip to control the windingportion. A power source provides power to actuate the winding portion.The power source may include an external power source that attaches tothe winding portion through a cable, or an internal power source, suchas a battery. In one alternative embodiment, a solar panel recharges thebattery when the device is not operating. In some embodiments, a guidingportion positions on the spool to help guide the line during extensionand retraction, and also to provide tension on the line duringretraction for an even winding.

A method of the present invention is also presented for automating arotary system to extend and retract a line. The method in the disclosedembodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out thefunctions presented above with respect to the operation of the describedsystem. In one embodiment, the method includes an initial Step ofcoupling a winding portion to the spool. The winding portion couples tothe spool to rotate the spool, thereby extending and retracting theline. A winding portion mounting end may include a socket that coupleswith a spool mounting end, such as a hexagonal nut. However, thecoupling between the winding portion and the spool may include variousmeans, including, without limitation, magnets, screws, clips, and rope.The handle is helpful in controlling the spool while winding. Thehandle, which extends from the spool handle end, is utilized as a braceto support coupling the winding portion to the spool.

The method may then proceed to a Step of providing power to the windingportion. The power allows the winding portion to rotate, and providesthe winding portion with sufficient angular displacement and torque torotate the attached spool. In one embodiment, the winding portion mayinclude an electrical drill having a portable power source, such as abattery. However, the winding portion may include any automated deviceoperable to manipulate the spool for extending and retracting the line.

In some embodiments, the method includes a Step of loading the spoolwith the line either automatically through the winding portion, ormanually. The spool may include an axial rod that attaches to the lineand rotatably winds to receive and carry the line. A proximal end of theline attaches to the axial rod. The handle, which extends from the spoolhandle end, is utilized as a brace to support the loading of the lineonto the spool.

The method further includes a Step of extending a distal end of the lineto a desired position. The line may be extended manually or by poweringthe winding portion to rotate in a first direction. Those skilled in theart will recognize that extending the line requires creating a tensionon the line. The distal point may be affixed to the desired position asthe winding portion draws away, or the distal end may be pulled from thespool directly.

An additional Step may include performing an operation with the line.The distal end of the line may be extended and positioned at a desiredpoint for performing a desired operation, including, without limitation,forming a linear mark on a surface, forming a pattern on a surface,forming a boundary, measuring a distance, and creating a line tensionfor catching an object. The line may be automatically extended andretracted while the operation is performed. In this manner, a user mayfocus on the operation at hand without having to manually extend andretract the line. For example, without limitation, the line may beoperable to draw straight lines by the action of a taut nylon string.The string, which, previously impregnated or coated with a loose dyesuch as chalk, is laid across a surface to be marked and pulled tight byretracting the line until it is taut. The string is then plucked orsnapped sharply to cause the string to strike the surface, transferringthe chalk to the surface along that straight line. In yet anotheroperation, the line may include a rigid wire that forms a contour fortracing a straight or patterned line.

The method further includes a Step of retracting the line after theoperation completed. The winding portion actuates to automaticallyrotate in a second direction for winding the line back into the spool. Atension on the line can be created by pulling the distal end, orallowing the line to engage the guiding portion during retraction for aneven winding operation. In some embodiments, the winding portion handleend is helpful in controlling the orientation of the rotary system andangular displacement and torque of the rotation.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention may be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a spoolcoupled with an embodiment of a winding portion, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a spool, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a process flow chart of a method of receiving incentive toexceed minimal purchases in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a spool, inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided, such as examples of programming, software modules, userselections, network transactions, database queries, database structures,hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide athorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally setforth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order andlabeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method.Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent infunction, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, ofthe illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employedare provided to explain the logical steps of the method and areunderstood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrowtypes and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, theyare understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method.Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only thelogical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate awaiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumeratedsteps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which aparticular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order ofthe corresponding steps shown.

FIG. 1 depicts rotary system 100 for automating the refraction andextension of a line 104. The rotary system 100 is operable to couple tothe spool, and automatically drive the line 104 about the spool 102 withminimal manual labor. This is advantageous for lines 104 that areextended over large distances and heavy lines 104. The line 104 isdriven in relation to the spool 102. The line 104 is adapted to be woundand unwound onto an axial rod 204 that is centrally located on the spool102. A proximal end 122 of the line 104 attaches to the axial rod 204. Adistal end 120 of the line 104 may be extended and affixed to a desiredpoint away from the spool 102 for performing an operation. The distalend 120 of the line 104 may then be retracted by automatically windingthe line 104 onto the spool 102. The line 104 may include, withoutlimitation, a string, a wire, a rope, a cable, a thread, a tape, and astrap. The line 104 may be configured to perform an operationsimultaneous with automatic extension and retraction.

In one embodiment of the present invention referenced in FIG. 2, thespool 102 is operable to receive and release the line 104 by automatedwinding. The spool 102 may include a low-flanged or unflanged cylinderon which the line 104 is wound for distribution or use. In oneembodiment, the spool 102 is disposed between two integrally formedflanged ends. A spool handle end 106 forms one end of the spool 102. Ahandle 108 extends from the spool handle end 106 of the spool 102 toprovide a grip for enhancing stability during operation andtransportation of the rotary system 100. A spool mounting end 110 formsthe other side of the spool 102. The spool mounting end 110 may includea mounting protrusion 202 configured to couple with the winding portion112, whereby the winding portion 112 couples to the spool mounting end110 to rotate the spool 102 for extending and retracting the line 104.In one alternative embodiment, the spool 102 comprises an externalsleeve for at least partially receiving the spool 102. The externalsleeve may help protect the line 104 from external elements.

In some embodiments, the spool 102 includes an axial rod 204 disposed toextend between the spool handle end 106 and the spool mounting end 110.The axial rod 204 is configured to join with a proximal end 122 of theline 104 and carry the line 104 during extension and retraction. Theaxial rod 204 may include protrusions and indentations for providing areceptive surface for the line 104 to be wound. For example, withoutlimitation, a pin from the proximal end 122 inserts inside an aperturein the axial rod 204. A hook in the aperture retains the line 104 andthus allows, with the rotation of the axial rod 204, the winding of theline 104. Suitable materials for the axial rod 204 may include, withoutlimitation, a high density polymer, metal, alloys, fiberglass, and wood.

Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, willrecognize that the winding portion 112 may rotate the spool 102 atvariable angular displacements and torques, depending on therequirements of the operation. The angular displacement of the windingportion 112 is the angle in radians through which a point on the spool102 has been rotated about the axial rod 204. The point moves in acircle of radius r. Having moved an arc length s, the angular positionof the spool 102 is θ relative to its original position, where θ=s/r.The winding portion 112 also requires sufficient torque to retract theline 104 against a resistance. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat Torque, τ is the twisting effect of a force F applied to therotating spool 102, which is at position r from the axial rod 204.Mathematically, τ=r×F.

In some embodiments, the winding portion 112 couples to a spool mountingend 110 of the spool 102, creating an integrally formed rotary system100. The winding portion 112 is configured to rotate the spool 102 withminimal manual labor. This is advantageous for lines 104 that extendlarge distances, and heavy lines 104. The winding portion 112 mayinclude, without limitation, an electrical drill, a mechanical rotarydevice, and a motor. The winding portion 112 includes a winding portionmounting end 114 for coupling to the spool mounting end 110. In oneembodiment, the winding portion mounting end 114 may include socketconfigured to couple with the spool mounting end 110. However, in otherembodiments, the winding portion mounting end 114 may couple to thespool mounting end 110 through other means, including, withoutlimitation, magnets, screws, clips, bolts, and adhesives. The windingportion 112 further comprises a winding portion handle end 116 forjoining with a power source 118 and providing a grip to control thewinding portion 112. The power source 118 provides power to actuate thewinding portion 112. The power source 118 may include an external powersource that attaches to the winding portion 112 through a cable, or aninternal power source, such as a battery that couples to the windingportion handle end 116. In some embodiments, a guiding portion positionson the spool 102 to help guide the line 104 during extension andrefraction, and also to provide tension on the line 104 duringretraction for an even winding. In one alternative embodiment, a solarpanel recharges the power source 118 when the rotary system 100 is notoperating.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the rotary system, orreel or spool, may be unwound by hand without the use of a powereddevice.

In one alternative embodiment, the rotary system 100 may include aplurality of spools that work together in a pulley configuration tochanges the direction or magnitude of a force, such as the weight of theline 104 or line tension. In yet another alternative embodiment, thespool 102 may comprise additional shapes, such as an oval, a square, anda triangle. In another alternative embodiment, the rotary system 100 maybe utilized in conjunction with a fishing rod to help reel in fish,whereby the winding portion may couple to the fishing reel. In yetanother alternative embodiment, the rotary system 100 may beincorporated in a variety of rotary devices, including, withoutlimitation, a sewing bobbin, a camera film rotation, and electronicequipment. In yet another alternative embodiment, the rotary system 100may be utilized to help lay out telephone wire across large distances.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a process flow chart of a method 300 ofautomating the extension and refraction of a line 104 in accordance withthe present invention. The method 300 in the disclosed embodimentssubstantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functionspresented above with respect to the operation of the described rotarysystem 100. In one embodiment, the method includes an initial Step 302of coupling the winding portion 112 to the spool 102. The windingportion 112 couples to the spool 102 to rotate the spool 102, therebyextending and retracting the line 104. A winding portion mounting end114 may include a socket that couples with a spool mounting end 110,such as a hexagonal nut. However, the coupling between the windingportion 112 and the spool 102 may include various means, including,without limitation, magnets, screws, clips, and rope. The handle 108 ishelpful in controlling the spool 102 while winding the line 104. Thehandle 108, which extends from the spool handle end 106, is alsoutilized as a brace to support coupling the winding portion 112 to thespool 102.

The method may then proceed to a Step 304 of providing power to thewinding portion 112. The power allows the winding portion 112 to rotate,and provides the winding portion 112 with sufficient angulardisplacement and torque to rotate the attached spool 102. In oneembodiment, the winding portion 112 may include an electrical drillhaving a portable power source 118, such as a battery. However, thewinding portion 112 may include any automated device operable tomanipulate the spool 102 for extending and retracting the line 104.

In some embodiments, the method includes a Step 306 of loading the spool102 with the line 104 either automatically through the winding portion112, or manually. The spool 102 may include an axial rod 204 thatattaches to the line 104 and rotatably winds to receive and carry theline 104. A proximal end 122 of the line 104 attaches to the axial rod204. The handle 108, which extends from the spool handle end 106, isutilized as a brace to support the loading of the line 104.

The method further includes a Step 308 of extending a distal end 120 ofthe line 104 to a desired point. The line 104 may be extended manuallyor by powering the winding portion 112 to rotate in a first direction.Those skilled in the art will recognize that extending the line 104requires creating a tension on the line 104. The distal point may beaffixed to the desired position as the winding portion 112 draws away,or the distal end 120 may be pulled from the spool 102 directly.

An additional Step 310 may include performing an operation with the line104. The distal end 120 of the line 104 may be extended and positionedat a desired point for performing a desired operation, including,without limitation, forming a linear mark on a surface, forming apattern on a surface, forming a boundary, measuring a distance, andcreating a line tension for catching an object. The line 104 may beautomatically extended and retracted while the operation is performed.In this manner, a user may focus on the operation at hand without havingto manually extend and retract the line 104. For example, withoutlimitation, the line 104 may be operable to draw straight lines by theaction of a taut nylon string. The string, which is coated with a loosedye such as chalk, is laid across a surface to be marked and pulledtight by retracting the line 104 until it is taut. The string is thenplucked or snapped sharply to cause the string to strike the surface,transferring the chalk to the surface along the newly formed straightline. In yet another operation, the line 104 may include a rigid wirethat forms a contour for tracing a straight or patterned line.

The method 300 may include a final Step 312 of retracting the line 104after the desired operation with the line 104 is completed. The windingportion 112 actuates to automatically rotate in a second direction forwinding the line 104 back into the spool 102. A tension on the line 104can be created by pulling the distal end 120, or allowing the line 104to engage the guiding portion during retraction for an even winding. Insome embodiments, the winding portion handle end 116 is helpful incontrolling the orientation of the rotary system 100 and angulardisplacement and torque of the rotation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a spool, inaccordance with the present invention. This shown embodiment comprises acantilevered handle jutting perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis ofthe shown reel for winding or distending the string by hand.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rotary device to automate the retraction of aline, the rotary device comprising: a handheld power drill, the handheldpower drill being configured to automatically rotate, the power drillfurther comprising a winding portion mounting end for mounting adetachable device; a spool, the spool being configured to carry theline, the spool being disposed to detachably join with the power drill,the spool being operable to be rotated by the power drill for retractingthe line, the spool comprising a spool mounting end, the spool mountingend being configured to couple to the power drill mounting end, thespool further comprising a spool handle end, the spool handle comprisinga handle for helping to control the rotary device; and a power source,the power source being operable to power the winding portion.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the line comprises a chalk line for creatinga mark on a surface.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the power drillend comprises a portable power source.
 4. The device of claim 1, whereinthe power drill end comprises a socket configured to couple with thespool mounting end.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the spool mountingend comprises a hexagonal nut configured to couple with the power drillmounting end.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the axial rod isdisposed to extend between the spool handle end and the spool mountingend.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the spool comprises an externalsleeve for at least partially receiving the spool.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the spool comprises a guiding portion for helping toguide the line during retraction, and for providing tension on the lineduring extension and retraction.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein thepower source comprises a portable battery.
 10. The device of claim 1,further comprising a handle for manually retracting and winding lineback onto the device.
 11. A method for automating rotation of a line,the method comprising the steps of: coupling a winding portion to aspool; providing power to the winding portion; loading the spool with aline automatically; extending a distal end of the line from the spoolautomatically; performing an operation with the line; and retracting theline automatically.
 12. The method of claim 12, wherein the step ofcoupling winding portion to a spool comprises detachably coupling awinding portion mounting end to a spool mounting end.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the winding portion comprises an electrical drill. 14.The method of claim 12, wherein the line comprises a string.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the step of providing power to the windingportion comprises a portable power source positioned on the windingportion mounting end.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the step ofloading the spool with a line comprises attaching a proximal end of theline with axial rod.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the step ofextending a distal end of the line from the spool comprises creatingtension on the line and actuating the winding portion in a firstdirection to wind up the line on the spool.
 18. The method of claim 12,wherein the step of retracting the line comprises actuating the windingportion in a second direction to wind up the line on the spool.